Kathy Ann Radl

Kathy Radl, age 80, passed away after a brief illness. She was born August 17, 1944, in Madison, Wisconsin, to the late Clarence Werndli and Frances (Murphy) Werndli.

Kathy attended Edgewood Catholic High School and graduated in 1962. While there, she forged lifelong friendships which continue to this day. 

A few years after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Mike Radl, on January 23, 1965, in Madison, Wisconsin. Kathy followed Mike to Wisconsin State University Platteville, where they lived until he graduated. 

They moved to Appleton and Kathy raised their growing family, enabling Mike to start his career in the paper industry. After a brief period living in Mississippi, she moved back to Appleton and embarked on her own career as a medical receptionist at Appleton Medical Center’s Emergency Room and Affinity Urgent Care where her compassionate, humorous personality helped those who walked through the doors, as well as making the job feel lighter for those who worked with her.

In addition, she was instrumental in starting the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) movement in Wisconsin during the mid-eighties following the tragic death of her sister and father by a drunk driver.

She is survived by her three children Michelle (Victor) Heffner (Cleveland, Ohio), Nicole Radl (Appleton), Michael (Ashley) Radl (Neenah), and her four grandchildren Danielle, Evan, Michael, and Madelyn. 

Ever the people person, Kathy participated in a wide array of social endeavors throughout the years including many bowling leagues, bridge clubs and the Junior Women’s Club. She was also an optimist and enjoyed playing bingo and visiting casinos with her friends.

Throughout the years, Kathy also had several dogs whom she loved: Tuffy, Luci, Gracee and Buffy, in addition to her granddogs Ace, Bogie and Teddy.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Pullmans at Trolley Square, Appleton, WI. Light appetizers will be served. For those attending, come with your best Kathy story to share. Funeral services and interment will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Madison, WI, on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kathy’s memory to Fox Valley Humane Association (https://www.foxvalleypets.org/get-involved/donate/) in Appleton, WI.

Don’t be sad for me! The food’s incredible, the drinks never run dry, the slots are always paying out, and guess what?! Elvis is headlining every night! Heaven is everything I could have hoped for!